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News Releases

North Dakota Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Game and Fish Department


News Releases


Electronic Posting Pilot Study in Ramsey, Richland and Slope Counties



Hunters in Ramsey, Richland and Slope counties are encouraged to use the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s online map resources this fall to evaluate electronic posting, a pilot study that was authorized by the 2019 state legislature.

Private land that is posted electronically for the 2020-21 hunting season is viewable on a computer or smartphone, or can be printed from the Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

A benefit of electronic posting is the ability for hunters to determine a point of contact for the landowner, or authorized individual who posted the land. Point of contact is included on the Department’s map service application.

Hunters are reminded to be respectful of landowners and be mindful of their daily schedules, as farmers will be busy with fall duties, including harvesting crops, moving cattle and hauling bales.

Hunters using the application will help evaluate electronic posting as an option for landowners to post land into the future. The electronic posting study will conclude with a brief survey. The information collected will help the North Dakota Legislature’s Interim Natural Resources Committee determine the usability of the electronic posting application and provide direction for changes required to existing law.

A total of 79 landowners in the three counties are participating in the pilot study by electronically posting their land, totaling 268 parcels and 38,600 acres.

More information on electronic posting is available by visiting the Game and Fish website.

Swan Application Deadline Aug. 12



Swan hunters are reminded the deadline for submitting an application for the 2020 season is Aug. 12

Applicants must submit an online application through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The resident swan license is $10, while the nonresident fee is $30.

The statewide tundra swan hunting season opens Oct. 3. A total of 2,200 licenses are available. Successful applicants will receive a tag to take one swan during the season. Since swans are classified as waterfowl, a nonresident may hunt them only during the period their nonresident waterfowl license is valid.

All swan hunters, regardless of age, are required to have a general game and habitat license when applying. In addition, nonresidents must have a waterfowl license, and residents age 16 and older need a small game or combination license. 

HIP Registration Required for Migratory Bird Hunters



Migratory bird hunters of all ages are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program prior to hunting ducks, geese, swans, mergansers, coots, cranes, snipe, doves and woodcock. Hunters must register in each state for which they are licensed to hunt.

Hunters can HIP certify when purchasing a license at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. In addition, hunters can call 888-634-4798.

Those who registered to hunt the spring light goose season in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required only once per year.

HIP registration is a cooperative program designed to determine a sample of hunters from which to measure the harvest of migratory birds for management purposes.

 

PLOTS Guide Available Online



The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Private Land Open To Sportsmen Guide for 2020 is now available online at the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov. In addition, the free printed PLOTS guides will be available in mid-August at most license vendors and other locations throughout the state.

The guide will feature about 800,000 PLOTS acres. Because the guide is printed in mid-August, some PLOTS tracts highlighted in the guide may have been removed from the program since the time of printing. There will also be some PLOTS tracts where the habitat and condition of the tract will have changed significantly. Conversely, Game and Fish may have added new tracts to the program after the guide went to press.

To minimize possible confusion, Game and Fish will update PLOTS map sheets weekly on its website.

The PLOTS guide features maps highlighting these walk-in areas, identified in the field by inverted triangular yellow signs, as well as other public lands.

The guides are not available to mail, so hunters will have to pick one up at a local vendor, or print individual maps from the website.

 

First-Come, First-Served Deer Gun Licenses Available Aug. 11



More than 3,700 antlerless deer licenses are still available in 12 units for North Dakota’s 2020 deer gun season. These licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug. 11 at 8 a.m. Central Time. Residents and nonresidents who have not already received a lottery or landowner license are eligible to apply by visiting the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov.

Hunters who want to purchase additional licenses will be able to Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. Central Time. At that time, any remaining antlerless licenses will be issued as a concurrent season license, which can be used during the archery season with a bow; the deer gun season with a bow, rifle or muzzleloader; or during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloader. However, youth who are under age 14 (at the end of the calendar year) will be issued a concurrent season license for archery only.

There is no limit on the number of concurrent season licenses a hunter can purchase.

Hunters with concurrent season licenses are restricted to the type of antlerless deer printed on the license, and must stay in the unit to which the license is assigned.

Concurrent Season Licenses Available
Unit Type Available
3A1 Any doe 98
3B2 Whitetail 54
3B2 Mule deer 97
3B3 Whitetail 260
3C Whitetail 167
3D1 Whitetail 159
3D2 Whitetail 98
3E1 Whitetail 40
3E2 Whitetail 104
3F1 Any doe 127
3F1 Whitetail 437
3F2 Any doe 860
3F2 Whitetail 768
4E Whitetail 44
4F Whitetail 341
4F Mule deer 90

Duck Brood Numbers Up from Last Year



State Game and Fish Department biologists expect a fall duck flight from North Dakota that is up 9% from last year, based on observations from the annual mid-July duck production survey.

This year’s duck brood index was comparable to last year’s estimate and showed 4.5 broods per square mile, 52% above the long-term average (1965-2019). Average brood size was also similar at 6.8 ducklings per brood.

Migratory game bird management supervisor Mike Szymanski said observation conditions were better this year among most wetland types, but observers still struggled with getting good looks on most routes.

“Obstructed views by emergent vegetation is typical, but was slightly more problematic than average this year,” Szymanski said. “Routes in the northeast had recently received heavy rains, rewetting temporary and seasonal basins that had dried up during spring and expanded other waters into emergent and upland vegetation. These heavy rains likely affected brood distribution and negatively impacted nesting ducks using cover that had recently dried this spring, whereas over-water nesting species did quite well. The northeast region, known as having marginal or secondary habitat for upland game, most likely had duck nests lost due to flooded conditions because low-lying, previously wet areas likely represented some of the only nesting cover in many areas of this region in June.”

Despite inconsistent rainfall with little precipitation in spring, Szymanski said the July survey showed duck production was quite good across most of the state.

“Renesting efforts in the northeast part of the state should remain strong to help balance lower early season dabbling duck production in that region this year,” he said.

Observers also count water areas during the July duck brood survey, and this year’s water index was up 11% from last year, and 49% above the long-term average. Szymanski said wetland conditions were stable to declining across most of the state, except for the northeast region and other smaller, isolated areas.

“Generally, numbers and conditions of wetlands were fair to good on most routes, and very wet on our four most northeastern routes, starkly contrasting routes in the north central and central parts of the state that were fairly dry,” he added.

Game and Fish biologists will conduct a separate survey in mid-September to assess wetland conditions heading into the waterfowl hunting seasons.

The summer duck brood survey involves 18 routes that cover all sectors of the state, except west and south of the Missouri River. Biologists count and classify duck broods and water areas within 220 yards on each side of the road.

The survey started in the mid-1950s, and all routes used today have been in place since 1965.

 

Pronghorn Applications Due Aug. 5



Hunters are reminded the deadline to apply for the 2020 pronghorn hunting season is Aug. 5.

Applicants can apply online by visiting the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409. A total of 1,790 licenses are available in 15 units.

The bow-only portion of the season is from Sept. 4 (noon) – Sept. 27. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license. 

From Oct. 2 (noon) – Oct. 18, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, and again must stay in the assigned unit.

The pronghorn license fee is $30 for ages 16 and older, and $10 for under age 16.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a 2020 pronghorn license. Hunters who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points, but will not accrue one for next year. However, hunters who do not want a license in 2020 have the option to purchase a bonus point on the application. 

Applicants should note that a general game and habitat license in required when applying. If the applicant has not already purchased one for the 2020-21 season, the license will be added to their cart upon checkout.

Guide and Outfitter Exam Scheduled



The next guide and outfitter written examination is Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck.

Preregistration is required no later than Sept. 11 by calling the Department’s enforcement office at 701-328-6604. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the North Dakota Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines will be followed. Details will be provided upon registration.

In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations; certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid; and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter.

Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, as well as an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years; and must have proof of liability insurance.

The test is given periodically to anyone interested in becoming a guide or outfitter in the state.

Early Canada Goose Dates Announced



North Dakota’s early Canada goose season dates are set, with bag limits and licensing requirements the same as last year.

Opening day is Aug. 15 in all three zones. Closing dates are Sept. 7 in the Missouri River zone, Sept. 15 in the western zone and Sept. 22 in the eastern zone.

Early Canada goose limits are 15 daily and 45 in possession.

Limits and shooting hours are different from the regular season, while the zone boundaries remain the same. Shooting hours for early Canada goose are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset daily.

Residents need a $5 early Canada goose license and a general game and habitat license. Also, residents age 16 and older need a small game license. Nonresidents need only a $50 early Canada goose license, and the license is valid statewide without counting against the 14-day regular season license.

Harvest Information Program certification is required, and beginning Sept. 1 a federal duck stamp for hunters age 16 and older is also needed. Those who HIP registered to hunt the spring light goose conservation order in North Dakota do not have to register with HIP again, as it is required in each state only once per year.

Waterfowl rest areas, closed to hunting during the regular season, are open during the early season. Most land in these rest areas is private, so hunters may need permission to access them.

Hunting of Canada geese in August and early September is intended to reduce local Canada goose numbers, which remain high. Game and Fish is attempting to provide additional hunting opportunities that can increase pressure on locally breeding Canada geese.

For additional information and regulations, hunters should refer to the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. 

 

Swan Hunt Applications Online



Swan hunters interested in applying for a 2020 license can submit an online application through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

North Dakota residents and nonresidents are eligible to apply. The resident swan license is $10, while the nonresident fee is $30. The deadline for applying is Aug. 12.

The statewide tundra swan hunting season opens Oct. 3. A total of 2,200 licenses are available. Successful applicants will receive a tag to take one swan during the season. Since swans are classified as waterfowl, nonresidents may hunt them only during the period their nonresident waterfowl license is valid.

All swan hunters, regardless of age, are required to have a general game and habitat license when applying. In addition, nonresidents must have a waterfowl license, and residents age 16 and older need a small game or combination license. 

Small Game, Waterfowl and Furbearer Regulations Set



North Dakota’s 2020 small game, waterfowl and furbearer regulations are set and most season structures are similar to last year.

Noteworthy items include:

  • Opening day for ducks, geese, coots and mergansers for North Dakota residents is Sept. 26. Nonresidents may begin hunting waterfowl in North Dakota Oct. 3.
  • The daily limit on scaup is reduced from three to one.
  • The prairie chicken and sage grouse seasons will remain closed due to low populations.
  • In accordance with state law, nonresidents are not allowed to hunt on Game and Fish Department wildlife management areas or Private Land Open To Sportsmen areas from Oct. 10-16.

Hunters and trappers can find the North Dakota 2020-21 Hunting and Trapping Guide, which includes upland game, migratory game bird and furbearer/trapping regulations and other information, by visiting the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov. Printed guides will be available at vendor locations in mid-August.

For a complete listing of opening and closing dates, and daily and possession limits, refer to the table on pages 4-5 of the guide.

 

Pronghorn Hunting Season Set, Apply Online



North Dakota’s 2020 pronghorn hunting season is set, with 1,790 licenses available in 15 open units.

Bruce Stillings, big game management supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said license numbers and open units are up from last year, when the department allocated 1,330 licenses and had 12 open units.

The recently completed aerial survey indicated the pronghorn population is up 6% from last year. Stillings said three new hunting units will be open this fall, which includes a unit north of the Missouri River for the first time in more than 25 years.

“Hunting units 8A and 11A will be open for the first time since 2009, and 13A will also be open north of the Missouri River for the first time since 1993,” Stillings said. “In addition, doe/fawn licenses will be issued in units 1A, 2A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 11A to address areas of high pronghorn density and provide additional hunting opportunities.”

Survey results indicate the fawn-to-doe ratio was 61 fawns per 100 does, which was the same as last year and equal to the long-term average. The buck-to-doe ratio of 35 bucks per 100 does remains stable and above the population objective, Stillings said.

Each unit will once again have a season that is split into an early bow-only portion, and a later gun/bow season.

The bow-only portion of the season is from Sept. 4 (noon) – Sept. 27. Anyone who draws a license can hunt pronghorn with a bow in the unit printed on the license. 

From Oct. 2 (noon) – Oct. 18, hunters who still have a valid license can use legal firearms or archery equipment, and again must stay in the assigned unit.

Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply for a 2020 pronghorn license. Hunters who have accumulated bonus points and choose not to apply this year will not lose their points, but will not accrue one for next year. However, hunters who do not want a license in 2020 have the option to purchase a bonus point on the application. 

Applicants can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov, or by calling 800-406-6409.

The pronghorn license fee is $30 for ages 16 and older, and $10 for under age 16. Applicants for a pronghorn lottery license must be at least 12 years of age on or before December 31, 2020. The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 5.

Applicants should note that a general game and habitat license is required when applying. If the applicant has not already purchased one for the 2020-21 season, the license will be added to their cart upon checkout.